Author's Note: I'm back and I changed up the timeline.
I blame the fact I've been playing Crisis Core Reunion and all the side quests paint a much more interesting picture than I remember from watching my friend play the original. (And reading other people's fanfics) especially Zack's relationship with the Wutai War.
Opening mission, he's arguing ShinRa's in the right with the crescent unit and then leaving them alive as he plays the hero. Come the side missions, he's not arguing ShinRa's in the right, and he's leaving them alive so they'll keep fighting ShinRa. So at some point, he realizes things are wrong, but all he can do is his job … it's kinda interesting character development.
(Haven't beaten it yet, I know what's coming, I don't wanna go to Nibleheim yet! … also, completely missed joining the Silver Elite fan club, so gonna have to look up what I did wrong there.)
Also, was no one going to tell me I was misspelling Colosseum this entire time and that it's not spelled Coliseum?!
Security
Special News Bulletin, Public Security
"I want to personally assure the public that every possible avenue is being explored for those terrorists that would dare consort with Wutai extremists! As head of Public Safety and SOLDIER, I swear, all troops will be on guard, and security checkpoints will be increased! Loyal Citizens of Midgar need not fear as long as they have their I.D.s!" Heidegger boomed.
Zack and Cloud's Apartment, Mooney Apartments
Zack turned off the T.V. so he didn't have to look at Heidegger. That special broadcast was on repeat and something about Heidegger's face bothered him.
"We don't have I.D.s." Cloud noted.
"For the most part, we don't need them in the slums. Most won't even look past the uniforms." Zack crossed his arms. "The problem comes with the checkpoints. They've upgraded since we were away. Security sensors on each train and even in the tunnels. And there's no longer a road connecting the upper plates to the bottom, it's been closed." Zack sighed.
"Which means?"
"Which means that a lot of people will be getting arrested for things they have done for years." Barret had mentioned something about people getting arrested for curfews to Sonon. Zack had a feeling something similar was about to start.
"Are we doing something?"
"There's nothing we can do right now. Just keep our heads down."
"Would they notice Kunsel visiting?"
"… They might." It depended on how the ids were logged when scanned. Zack quickly texted his friend.
It was a very quick response.
"'Don't worry, I have my ways.'" Zack read out loud. With a sigh he flopped next to Cloud as another text message chimed. "'Fan club has noticed you. Be careful.' Wait, I still have a fan club?"
Cloud made a noise and clutched his head. Zack abandoned his phone to catch his friend before he fell off the couch, only for Cloud to jerk away.
"Cloud?"
"Memory, I think. Just flashes of something."
"Okay. Let's get you checked out by the doctor and then we'll hit up the colosseum for the day."
"… Alright." Cloud agreed.
Elevator, ShinRa Building
Reeve Tuesti had a bad feeling when he came into work.
It wasn't anything he could identify as a problem, but he had a bad feeling all the same.
And then he ran into Heidegger and Tseng in the elevator.
"A wonderful day today! We will have the checkpoints set up in record time!"
"Yes sir." Tseng agreed.
"Do you disagree, Tuesti?" Heidegger looked at him, and Reeve regretted stepping into the elevator.
He should have pretended to get a call.
"The additional checkpoints are taking resources from the reconstruction effort in Sector 8 and I have to reassign several construction crews to compensate. Today for me will be a headache until that's done." Reeve settled for a half truth. The reality was that Heidegger's plans for security actually moved security away from the places that needed it. After the escaped lab specimens tore through the troopers they were facing a shortage of manpower.
"Gya ha ha!" Heidegger laughed at that.
Reeve wished for the elevator to open so he could leave. Most of his department was on floors 30 to 39, but the administration offices, including his own, were on floor 63.
The Executive Suites were floor 69. Unless he got lucky and Heidegger got out on one of the floors for Soldier and Public Security.
"You worry too much! Once we have the Wutai operatives in hand, everything will be fine! The president will also be offering a reward for any information on these operatives!"
Which would tie up the phone lines, even using the portable ones. Reeve was going to have to add that to the plan for today as well.
"The Turks will be fielding the phone calls, Director Tuesti." Tseng spoke up.
"Gya ha ha! As will the troops! I know how to run a war!"
"War? I thought Wutai had surrendered and we had accepted it."
"Insurgents are stirring up trouble! Just because you are a soft hearted civilian!" Heidegger's lecture on how he was the only one to know war and how to fight was something Reeve should have seen coming.
Why hadn't he just kept his mouth shut? He knew criticizing Heidegger's plans was going to lead to this 'blood and thunder' lecture.
And he was in a small box unable to leave until the 63rd floor.
'Reeve.' The whisper in the back of his mind distracted him for a moment, before Heidegger's hand struck the wall near his head in an attempt to make him flinch. The distraction kept him from flinching, but Heidegger was undeterred.
Tseng was no help, he worked for Heidegger.
The elevator shook and came to a stop, the doors only partially opening.
'Run.'
Reeve really had to look into Cait's programming, he shouldn't be moving without his input … then again, he had been thinking of escaping the elevator… he'd worry about that later.
"I'll see what's going on." Reeve exited the elevator, Tseng following while Heidegger snarled, trapped thanks to being too large to squeeze through the gap.
The doors suddenly closed and the elevator continued on with Heidegger.
"The Turks will look into the elevator as well." Tseng offered. "You should be more careful what you say."
"I'm aware." Reeve sighed. He made it to his office where Cait Sith was sitting on the desk. His assistant was already running paperwork for the day.
"Soldier came by, laddie, didn't stay long, just knocked, entered, looked around and then left." Cait reported. "Wore a helmet, so I couldnae see his face."
"Wonderful. Just what I needed today." Reeve would deal with that issue later, hopefully.
Clinic, Sector Five Slums
Cloud struggled not to lunge out of the chair in the clinic. The antiseptic wasn't exactly the same as what Hojo used, it smelled like bleach and lemons compared to the overly sterile stuff that was in the ShinRa labs.
Still put him on edge.
"Well, good news and bad news. I don't see any crystal build up inside Cloud. All tests are coming back within acceptable parameters. Which is a miracle given you said he was catatonic for a year." The doctor noted.
"And the bad news?" Zack asked. He rested a hand on Cloud's shoulder, grounding him.
"The headaches may actually be a symptom of a stress disorder. Mental health can manifest physical symptoms." He paused. "You will most likely need a psychiatrist or psychologist to be sure. As for the amnesia, the fact memories are coming back is a good sign, but again, one of the two would be able to tell you more."
"Anyone you can recommend down here?"
"Unfortunately, no. We just have some counselors, but they can't prescribe medication. Most psychologists and psychiatrists are on the plate. There were a few down here, but circumstances have closed most of them, and of the two that are left, one's in Don Corneo's pocket and the other is in Sector One." The doctor explained.
"How can they be in Don Corneo's pocket?"
"To be able to operate, they pay a fee to Don Corneo, usually with a portion of the drugs, which drives the prices up." The doctor explained. "It's not a good situation."
"Yeah, sounds like it." Zach grimaced.
Cloud felt a headache coming on, and reached up to touch his head. Everything tinted green again so he closed his eyes.
"… Time …" The voice whispered. Cloud struggled not to open his eyes or lunge away. It wasn't real.
"Cloud?" Zack's voice.
Cloud opened his eyes to see his friend crouched to look at his face. Zack was real.
Something clattered to the ground as a figure in black groaned, trying to leave through the closed door.
"No. No. You need to rest." The doctor quickly escorted the patient back to the secluded room.
"What's wrong with him?" Zack looked up. Cloud's headache seemed to fade as suddenly as it had come on.
"I'm not sure. It's like he's suffering mako poisoning, but instead of being consumed his body is still fighting it, burning himself out in the process. He doesn't acknowledge anyone or answer questions, so his mind is gone. All I know is he's a former soldier, but no one knows his name or rank, and he has a number 2 tattooed on his arm."
"I see. There's not any similarity to me, is there?" Cloud asked, Zack's grip on his shoulder tightened.
"No. You're responding to us rationally, your reflexes are normal, and while you might have ptsd episodes and flashbacks, you are still here in the present more often than not." The doctor assured him. "I can prescribe something for your headaches for now."
"Thanks. How much do we owe you?"
"Ah, I work pro bono, that said, I do need the occasional monster part for medicine, or mechanical part for my scanners."
"Name it and we'll get it!" Zack promised. "Besides, we're going to need someone to patch us up if we run into trouble."
"Thank you! This is a list of the stuff I usually need. I'm always here, so just deliver whenever you have something." The doctor passed them the list.
"Hey doc, got the mechanical stuff from the scrap yard." A teen entered with a box of stuff.
"Oh, thank you Bruno!"
"No problem! Ah, it's you!" The teen stared at Zack. "Where'd you go?"
"Long story. But my partner and I are mercenaries now, so we're living in sector five now."
"Huh, I thought you were sweet on miss Aerith." The teen crossed his arms. "Rude of you to lead her on."
"What?!" Zack yelped.
"Thanks a lot, now I have to listen to him plan more romantic gestures for her." Cloud sighed as he pocketed the prescription. "Zack means work partners."
"Though I certainly wouldn't blame him for dating Cloud. He is cute!" Aerith laughed as she came in and dropped off a basket of plants. "You two are headed to the colosseum, right? If you see Sonon, let him know Ms. Folia wants to talk to him." She squeaked as Zack grabbed her in a hug before giggling.
"Come with us?"
"Sorry, but I'm selling flowers on the plate today."
"Be careful, the new checkpoints …"
"I'll be fine. I'll let you know if I find anything out about the checkpoints when I get back." She kissed his cheek and slipped out of his arms with a smile. "Take care of him, Cloud!"
"I'll do my best." Cloud promised.
"If he's still got money trouble, you'll need all the help you can get." Bruno piped up.
"He's terrible with it, glad to know that's an old issue."
"Really? Come on, cut me some slack." Zack huffed, losing the dopey grin he'd had from Aerith kissing him.
"Glad you're okay. Everyone was worried about you." Bruno added.
"Thanks. I'm glad to be back." Zack took the lead to Wall Market and the coliseum.
The waiting rooms weren't much and acted as store rooms, but they were dimly lit.
Normally they waited undisturbed until called, but this time, someone knocked on the door.
"Fair and Strife, I presume?" The man that entered was flamboyant in black. And was accompanied by two honeybee workers, one a woman in her honeybee costume the other a man in a gold suit with black trim and embroidery.
"That's us."
"And you are?" Cloud asked.
"I'm Andrea Rhodea, proprietor of the Honeybee Inn. I require some … assistance." The man smiled coyly. "I'm sure you're aware that Don Corneo has a hand in pretty much everything in Wall Market. Madame M, Chocobo Sam and I are in charge of what you might call the day to day operations." He became a touch more serious. "We're also, one could say, the last line of defense against the Don for the little people."
"Or the door right to him." Cloud crossed his arms.
"You'd have to go through his new doorkeeper, Leslie, for that, but you're not wrong." Andrea admitted.
"If you're running the place, what would you need our help for?" Zack asked.
"A rather … delicate matter."
"We're not gossips." Cloud pointed out.
"Right. We know to keep quiet about missions." Zack added.
"One of our girls is from Wutai. She only recently arrived, and she's a splendid dancer. However…"
"The security crackdown?"
"She doesn't have any papers, does she?"
"In a way, yes. The problem is a ShinRa captain who's taken an interest in her."
"He's holding her id hostage!" The woman hissed. "Creep!"
"He managed to get into the girl's locker room and steal it while they were harassing everyone during that so called security sweep. We need someone to steal it back. We know he keeps it on him at all times and we're pretty sure it's in his wallet, but we'd rather not start a fight with the security forces." The man spoke up.
"Yeah, that's the last thing any of us need." Zack looked at Cloud.
"How much?" Cloud asked.
"10,000 gil, and lifetime passes to the Honeybee inn." Andrea offered.
"Okay. Got a picture of the guy?"
"In and out of uniform. I don't usually take pictures of our clientele, but he crossed a line." The man took out the pictures.
Cloud blinked at the face. Rather nondescript, brown hair and eyes, but there was a smug smirk on his face that Cloud recognized and brought back memories of taunts.
"Cloud?"
"I knew him. He was a jerk in basic training. The sergeant hit him with multiple disciplinary actions… but he knew someone higher up so he always got a pass." Cloud grimaced. "Don't remember the name, but if he's the way I remember, me just showing up in uniform will be enough to provoke him." He explained.
"Know when he'll be at the inn next?" Zack gently gripped his shoulder.
"Tonight. We know he likes to arrive ten minutes after the doors open. He always comes through this side alley," the man sketched a slight map, "we do want to avoid any … unpleasantness so close to the inn."
"We'll keep it to the alley."
"Thank you! As soon as you get her id, come to the inn." Andrea smiled. "We'll see you then, gentlemen!" The trio left.
"Why do I feel like we're about to kick a hornets nest?" Zack asked.
"He kept quiet about the things that embarrassed him. We'll see how we do." Cloud offered.
They finished up at the colosseum gathered their winnings and signed up for a couple upcoming tournaments.
It wasn't hard for them to find the alley or set up.
"How much do you remember about basic?"
"Bits and pieces, mostly feelings, and names are all pretty much gone… I think I had a couple friends who helped with my motion sickness …" Cloud sighed. "It's kinda frustrating. I remember the drills and training, but the people … might as well have been ghosts. I just barely remember Tseng at Modeoheim and … I think Junon?" Cloud sighed. "The flashbacks and headaches are practically the same."
"Hmm. Remember the time you saved me from a griffin? You yelled at me to duck and cover and just blasted it away!" Zack grinned at him.
"I remember you telling me about that sometimes … I… don't remember shooting. Just you telling me I did a good job." Cloud admitted. There was snow in the memory, so Modeoheim, most likely.
"You really need to remember how amazing you are, I wouldn't have dragged just anyone across multiple continents!" Zack grinned.
"Right… working on that."
"So, you got a plan for this guy?"
"Sleep spell and dream powder. Be easier and quieter."
"Why do you have dream powder?"
"Old Man Mooney gave it to me for fixing the furnace."
"You-!"
They both glanced to see their target glaring at Cloud.
"What are you doing in that uniform?!" Is the start of what will be a long tirade and Cloud is a little bit thrilled when the guy goes out like a light between the sleep spell and the dream powder.
It doesn't take long to find the girl's id, plus a couple pictures they don't look at because the top one is the creep is holding her in the frame by her throat and the Honeybee Inn pass, and drag the guy to small alcove in the alley.
"Special reason you boys are hiding a body?" Mireille popped out of nowhere and almost got a spell thrown at her.
"Just putting him where he can sleep it off without being stepped on." Zack grinned. "Need anything?"
"Nope. Just wandering a bit." Mireille gave them a smile. "My sleep schedule has never been good."
"Well, if you need an escort let us know." Zack offered.
"Thank you handsome." Mireille grinned and headed off to wherever she was going.
The man in the suit turns out to be a receptionist and brightens when he sees them enter. "Up these stairs, gentlemen!"
The Wutaian honeybee is being comforted by the brunette from earlier, Andrea giving her a drink.
"You're here."
"Got the id. Also took some photos he had of her and the pass card he had. We think we got all the photos, but didn't really look." Cloud put them all on the table in front of her.
"You got them all." She burst into tears. "Thank you!"
"I wasn't aware of that creep taking pictures… oh honey." Her friend hugged her tightly.
"Well, he's definitely not getting a replacement card and will be black listed, my dear. I can't thank you enough for helping one of my bees." Andrea smiled, passing over the money and the passes.
"Hey, we like helping people." Zack smiled back. "And the way things are going, I wouldn't want anyone caught on the wrong side of public security right now. It's likely going to get worse."
"We have plans in place. And if you require any help with security, don't hesitate to ask." Andrea smiled as he studied them. "We look forward to entertaining you."
"Thanks! We look forward to catching the show sometime." Zack leads the way out and Cloud hears Andrea chuckle.
"I think I'm finally going to have some fun, my dears."
"Oh, Andi~!" The brunette giggled.
Cloud stopped listening at that.
"Next stop, pass a message to Sonon. We really should have gotten his number last time, but he might be at the restaurant." Zack decided. "And we can get food!"
"Sounds good to me." Cloud agreed.
Happy Turtle, Wall Market, Sector Six Slums
Sonon wanted to trust these Avalanche members, but the more he learned the less connected he felt. He felt more connected to the extremist group after the fight in that horrible lab, there had been something soothing about the anger Barret held, a kindred spirit.
He wasn't the only operative in Midgar. But he was the one who was supposed to stay with this cell, and his superior was going to be on her way soon to help. If she didn't get distracted on the way.
There was a lot of information, and Nayo was good at showing him the research and proof she had of ShinRa's undercover dealings. Mostly money trails. She also apparently interviewed people who had information to sell.
He had agreed to act as a bodyguard for this interview, but as far as he could tell … this wasn't good information. They needed what ShinRa was doing now, not what they had done.
"My entire family lived there for generations, then all of a sudden, gone! Burned down! No reason was given!" The old man scowled. "I was the biggest supplier of Banora Whites and then everything was destroyed!"
"And you never got an explanation?"
"Some bullshit about insurgents taking over. It was a rough year, Raphsodos went MIA and then Banora was destroyed."
"Raphsodos? I think I remember the name …" Nayo noted.
"Better known as the Crimson Commander, his notes and analysis of Loveless is still one of the top ten best sellers. Published posthumously, after he was declared killed in action." The old man sighed. "They didn't even give him a memorial service. He has a memorial booth in the main theatre of sector 8. I believe the production this year is heavily influenced by the book." The old man closed his eyes. "ShinRa acts like Banora, Raphsodos and Hewley never existed. Sephiroth is gone too, but they don't say where. Damn them." He turned away.
"Okay, we got some leads!" Nayo grinned at him. As if she hadn't listened to someone talk about losing his home.
"Doesn't tell us what they're doing now with the checkpoints." Sonon pointed out, deciding to remain professional.
"Billy Bob and Zhijie have that covered." Nayo assured him. "Oh! The mercenaries. I wonder if they have any thing to share." She headed over to where they were settling in to eat.
The two looked up as they approached.
"Well, that makes life easier. Sonon, Ms. Folia wants to talk to you whenever you're available." Zack told him.
"Ah, okay." Sonon blinked. Nayo coughed. "Ah, this is Nayo, she lives in sector seven. I'm working with her."
"Cool. Want some food?"
"Sure." Nayo smiled. "I also want information."
"About what?"
"I write articles exposing the stuff ShinRa tries to hide. The problem is finding the information."
"You're asking a lot." Cloud noted. "Especially from people who are trying to avoid being noticed by ShinRa."
"I won't use your names!"
"Not Interested." Cloud scowled.
"How bout we buy the information then?" Sonon asked. Nayo looked upset by this.
"500 gil, you have until we finish eating, and you don't press if we change the subject, how's that?" Cloud offered.
"Deal." Sonon accepted the food and drink. "Know what's up with Materia research?"
"Which one, Science or Weapons Development?" Zack asked.
"There's two departments?" Sonon paused. He'd thought materia research would have been its own department. Maybe a lesser one within a larger one.
"Yeah. Scarlet uses hers for weapons development. Science for research and outfitting Soldier." He snorted. "Weapons Development also makes stuff for Public Security. Whether or not the machines actually function is hit or miss. The amount of times I had to break one of her machines going on a rampage …" Zack scowled slightly. "Something was announced about budget, but I can't remember…" he shook his head. "Sorry."
Sonon felt slightly adrift. Scarlet's weapons were known to go out of control? Then why had she used them during the peace talks?!
"So, follow the budget? That's fairly public domain." Nayo noted.
"… about five years ago there was a reporter who managed to get some private information from ShinRa … I never got his name, but he gave me updates when ShinRa tried to spin stories."
"You didn't arrest him?" Sonon asked. ShinRa had been brutal when cracking down on spies five years ago.
"I was supposed to, but … I had my doubts about the company. Hope he's okay." Zack sighed. "Anything else?"
"Back to materia research, know anything about the ultimate materia?" That was one of several reasons to infiltrate Midgar and ShinRa.
"They're always researching the ultimate materia. They want the strongest materia possible." Cloud piped up, but he wasn't looking at them. "They were constantly trying new materia combinations and talking about the results as the best version of what came before. Odds are, the Scientists are just bragging again. Still might be a strong materia."
That was likely. But they still had to infiltrate and know for sure.
"And that's time, help me with the plates, Sonon?" Zack stood up.
"Ah, sure?" Sonon blinked, getting up to follow Zack.
"ShinRa's a den of monsters, be careful how far you go in, this maybe a trap." Zack's eye were dark.
"Maybe. I'm not in a position to refuse danger." Sonon pointed out
"… Your country needs you alive. Be careful." Zack left with Cloud without saying much more.
Sonon felt uneasy as they left, but he didn't know why.
Next up: Sonon visits the leaf house and then hangs out at Seventh Heaven to recover, aerith and Zack go on a date to the Honeybee Inn, and Cloud … well, he's being haunted, by Sephiroth and the ghosts at the train graveyard, and he blames Biggs for the second one.
